Universal joint mechanism



Jan. 25, 1938. H. woLLNER UNIVERSAL JOINT MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 15, 1955 .(5,3

f6" ff" E vil I JNVENTOR. H4275 h/a//fzen BY i4/aww:

' ArmRNEx/a Jan. 25, 193s. H, WOLLNER 2,106,672]

UNIVERSAL JOINT MECHANISM Filed My l5, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 so /5 l E. /rf

V 2s FL g I i E INVENTOR. H4225 /4/0ZZ7767'."

, A TT ORNEYS.

Jan. 25, 193.8. H. WQLLNER 2,106,672

UNIVERSAL JOINT MCHANISM Filed May 15; 1955 :s sheets-sheet s v JNVENTOR. Hays Wo [7762? BY M l ma? ATTORNEYS.

Patented Jan: 25, 1938 mms wanner, Detroit, Mich., assign to una versal Products Co., Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application May 15, 1935, Serial No. 21,516

l 13 Claims.

The present invention relates to universal joints, and particularly to universal joints of the so-called double type, in which the rates of rotation of two connected sections of shafting are substantially uniform with respect to each other.

In universal joint constructions of the general type to which the present invention relates, each of two cooperating shaft sections is connected to an intermediate coupling member by single universal joint In order to cause angular displacements of either shaft section with respect tothe coupling to be substantially duplicated by the other shaft section, the inner ends of the shaft sections are ordinarily connected together by a compensating member ,which is movable with respect,A toy the coupling.

In the embodiments of the above general arrangement with which the present applicant is aware, the couplings yhave been constructed to de' fine the paths of movement of the associated compensating members. This arrangement may be caused to produce strict uniformity between the rates of rotation of the cooperating shaft sections, `but is objectionable in that it involves the use of both a compensating member, and a. somewhat complicated and expensive coupling.

In accordance with the present invention, a separate compensating member is unnecessaryg and, in addition to the elimination of this element, the construction of the coupling may correspondingly be simplified. In lthe illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the inner ends of the cooperating shaft sections are formed with cooperating engaging surfaces, so constructed that angular displacement of either shaft with respect to the coupling produces a. substantially equal angular displacement of the other shaft section.

The principal object of the present invention, accordingly, is to provide a universal joint of the so-called double"` type, in which compensating angular displacements of the shafts.are introduced by the form of .interconnection between vide a universal joint ofthe double typeI which is simple in construction and which is capable of economical and ready manufacture and assembly. Other objects and advantages of vthe Present in-e inthe appended claims.

In the drawings:

vention appear in the followi ng description and (Cl. (il-21.)

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation,r partly in section, of a double universal joint embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view, with parts broken away, of a section taken on the line 2-2of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 -of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line I---4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, of a modification of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view taken on the line 6--5 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 'I is a partial-sectional view showing a modification ofthe arrangement of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, of a second modification of the present invention;y Fig. 9 is a view, partly in line 9-9 of Eig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view in elevation of 'an end plate which may be used with the modifications shown' in Figs. 8 and 9. and

Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view of a Imodification of the arrangement shown in Fig. 9.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, I and 2 represent shaft sections, either of which may be regardedas the driving member. Shafts I and 2 are each connected vto a coupling I5 through members section, taken on the which form single universal joints individual to each shaft. The inner ends of shafts I and 2 v are further connected together so' that angular displacements of either shaft I or 2 with respect to coupling I5 are substantially duplicated by the other. I

As best shown in Fig. 4., the portion 3 of shaft I is provided with two transverse openings 4 and 5. Opening receives a pin 8. the ends of which are journaled in roller bearing assemblies, com'- prising rollers 1 and'spheric'al sectoral. Retaining buttons, each of which present one arcuate surface 9, in- Fig. tand a v'second arcuate surface l0, il; Fie'. l, are -journaled in recesses cut into the ends of pin-'8, and serve-to maintain rollers 1 in the iliustratedposition. Surfaces 8 and 9 are concentric-.with portions Il' ofI coupling I5,l and are somewhat .looselyiournaled" therein.

Surface Il is concentric with the axis of pin I'I,

described below. 4

The other opening 5 formed in shaft I receives pin -I I, a'centralball section I2 of which is journaled? in an vopening Il formed in pin- 6 and the' ends of which are journaled in coupling I! atpointii-y I0. The ends of openings 5 and Il the axis of pin 6.

If shaft I is displaced in the plane of the paper, referring to Fig. 2, rotation is had about the axis of pin 6.-displaced in the plane of the.papeg,withrefexfence to Fig. 1, rotation is had'aooutpinftisas an axis. 11n this event, pin 6 also rotates about pin II. Portions I4 of coupling I5 present linearsurfaces, circular in cross section,.so that as pin 6 rotates about pin II, members 8 are caused to move somewhat nearer the ends of .pin 6. It will be'noted that the assembly of members 9 and 9 for movement axially of pin 6 permits the cylinden-like construction of portions I4, and so simplifies the manufacture of coupling I5. l

The corresponding elements associated with shaft section 2 are as described with reference to those associated with shaft section I.

Referring again to Figs. 1 2, and 3, shaft section I terminates in 'a trunnion I6 upon which a spherical sector I9 is rotatably mounted. Trunnion I9 is providedswi'th an annular groove 20 at the end thereof which receives a locking ring 2I provided to secure sector I9 in place. A segmented member 22, hallowed out to form a socket for sector I9, is slidably mounted 4in a recess 23 formed in the end of a shaft 2.

Because of the just described ball and socket connection between the ends of shaft sections I and 2, any angular displacement of either shaft section is accompanied by a substantially equal displacement of the other shaft section. In the course of any such displacement, member I9 rotates in socket 22, and socket 22 moves axially of shaft section 2. Accordingly, although under conditions of displacement of the shafts with respect to coupling I5, the rotation of coupling I5 is not uniform with respect to the rotation of the shafts, the shafts rotate at substantially the same rates.

It will be noted that the ball and socket connection between shafts I and 2 moves freely within coupling I5 but does not engage it. Accordingly, the inner surfaces of housing I5 need not be formed to provide guiding surfaces for such connection. This arrangement is advantageous in that it simplifies the manufacture of the assembly.

Coupling I5 is enclosed by an outer shell 24,

which is formed o f two similar cylinderlike sections, the outer ends of which are turned in at 21. The other ends of the sections rest upon raised portions 25 on coupling I5 (Fig. 4')` and abut a shoulder 26 which extends outwardlyl from portions 25. Packing members 26 are provided adJacent the ends of coupling I5 for engagement by the` respective shell sections. Clamp 29, provided Ato secure the shell sections in place.

"isvformed as a channel, with` portions of one of the vertical legs thereof cut away, leaving' a plurality of spaced lugs 3l, which are bent outwardly, as indicated in dotted lines, to permit the clip to be slipped over the end one shell section. When the two shell sections are positioned in assembledrelatiom the lugs 20 are bent inwardly `as shown in full lines. Flexible boots 32, preferably formed of leather, are attached to the shells at points 3l and to shafts I and 2 at points u.

Referring to Figs. 5 and @,amodiflcation is illustrated in accordance with which pin II (of` Figs. 1, 2, and 4) rmay be eliminated. Referring to 5, shaft I is providedY with a transverse opening into which pin 40 is fitted. The ends of pin 49 are supported in coupling 4| in substantially the manner described with reference to Figs. l, 2, and 4, with the exception that rollers 42vand members 43 are maintained in place'on.

pin 49 by means of retaining rings 44, which fit into annular recesses 45 formed in the end of Referring to Fig. 6, the two faces of section associated surfaces 41. This action rotates pin` 49 about an axis perpendicular to its own axis, in response to which the members 43 move as described in connection with Figs. 1, 2, and 4, and assume positions slightly nearer the ends of pin 40. If shaft I is displaced in a plane perpendicular to the .plane of the paper, referring to Fig. 5, pin.40 rotates in its bearings 42 and 49, and a sliding movement occurs between surfaces 46 and 4 Corresponding parts associated with shaft 2 are correspondingly arranged.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and l6, the ends of shafts I and 2 may be connected .together by means of a ball and socket unit, as described in connection with Figs. 1, 2, and 4. A modified form of ball and socket unit is, however, illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, and comprises a ball 50 formed at the end of shaft I, which is engaged by a ball bearing ring comprising balls 5I and retaining, ring 52. /The inner surface of ring 52 is arcuate and conforms to the curvature of ball 50. Ring 52 may be slidably tted into -a circumferential recess 53 formed in the end of shaft 2, or alternatively, ring 52 may be tightly I and 2 may be formed of a single piece of metal, -but preferably are formed of separate pieces, as`

illustrated in Fig. 6, suitable spacers 48 being added to properly locate them with respect to their cooperating surfaces. As illustrated in Fig. 6, \a cap screw 49 maybe employed to attach the assembly comprising members 41 and 48 to the coupling 4I.

Referring to Fig. '1, elements 41 may be replaced by two roller bearings, such as 69, fitted into recesses 6I cut into the face of a single supporting member 62, attached to coupling 4I by cap screw 49.

As described in connection with Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, coupling 4I of Figs. 5, 6 and 7 is preferably Provided with outer shells 69, which may be connected together by clips 64, and with boots 65.

Referring to Figs. 8 and' 9, a construction is illustrated in which the shaft sections I and 2 are `fixed longitudinally of they coupling, partly by end plates and lpartly by cup-like portions of the outer enclosing shell. Pin 10 is tted into an opening 1I formed in the end of shaft section I, and is journaled in coupling 12 in the manner described in connection with Figs. 1, 2,

land 4., by means of buttons 13 and roller bear` tol ing structure comprisingrollers 14 and spherical sectors 15. The corresponding parts associated with top4 section 2 are correspondingly arranged.

Referring to Fig. 9, the ends of shafts I and 2 are each formed as spherical sectors 16. vSurfaces 11 formed on end plates 18 form socket-like journals for sectors 16, and prevent longitudinal outward movement of shafts I and 2 with respect to coupling 1.9. End plates 18 are preferably attached to coupling 19 by bolts 88, passed through openings 8I. l

Coupling 19 is surrounded by two duplicate outer shells 82 of cylinder-like form, which are secured together by bolts 84 passed through rims 83, packing members 85 being interposed between shells 82 and coupling 19 ladjacent the ends of the latter. Ends 86 of shells 82 are cupped, concentrically with the midpoint of the axis of pin 10. tions 86, bounded by surfaces 81, permit angular displacement of shafts I and 2 with respect to coupling 19.

Cup-like end sections 88, which prevent longitudinal inward movement of shafts I and 2 with respect to coupling 19, are concentric with the midpoints of the axis of pin 10, engage shoulders 89 formed on sections 86, and are provided with recesses 90 to receive packing rings 9|. Cylinder-like portions 92 of end sections 88 are tted upon cooperating shoulders 93 on shafts I and 2.

'Ihe simplified form of interconnection ibetween the inner ends of shafts I and 2 comprises a sphere 95 formedV atthe inner end of shaft I which is slidably and rotatably fitted into a recess 98 formed at the end of shaft 2. As in the previously described modifications, this causes angular displacements of either shaft I or 2 with respect to coupling 19l to be substantially duplicated by the other? In operation, if shafts I and 2 are displaced in planes perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 8,

pins 10 rotateV about their own axes in the associated roller bearing assemblies; surfaces 16 slide within the spheroidal surfaces 11 and end sections 88 slide along the spheroidal surfaces l86. If the shafts are displaced in the plane of Fig. 8, surfaces 16 and 86 slide as above mentioned `along their cooperating surfaces 11 and 86. In

the course of this movement, pins 10 rotate about an axis which passes perpendicularly through the mid-point of its own axis. In the course of this rotation, members 13 and 15 move linearly in the associated coupling portions in the manner described in connection with Figs. v1, 2 and `4. As shown in Figs. :8 and 10, end plates 18 are -ent invention.' It is-to be understood, therefore,

that the described embodiments -are`to be regarded in anillustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What claimed is. l i 1. Universal, joint mechanism comprising a Circular openings in end secy shaft; a longitudinally extending coupling angularly displaceable relative to said shaft; and means for universally connecting said shaft to said,coupling comprising a pair of pins ssed through said shaft with their axes normal .to each other, one of said pins being ljourn'aled in said coupling to ilx said shaft longitudinally of said coupling, and the other of said pins being disposed to engage said coupling at any of a plurality of points therealong in accordance with the angle of displacement between said coupling and said shaft to cause rotation of said coupling in response to rotation of said shaft.

2. Universal joint mechanism comprising a pair of shafts; -alongitudinally extending coupling angularly displaceable relative to said shafts; a pair of pins individual to each of said shafts and passed therethrough with their axes substantially normal to each other and supported in said coupling, one' pin of each pair being adapted to xthe associated shaft in placev longitudinally of said coupling, and the other pin of each pair being adapted to-en'gage said coupling lat any of a plurality of points therealong in accordance with the angle of displacement between said coupling and the associated shaft to cause rotation of said coupling in response to rotation of said shaft; and means for pivotally interconnecting the ends of said shafts.

3. Universal joint mechanism comprising a' section of shafting having two openings extending therethrough transversely to the axis of said section and intersecting at substantially said axis; a longitudinally extending coupling angularly displaceable relative to said shaft section, a pin passing through one fof saidl openings and having its ends secured in said-coupling to fix said section longitudinally of said coupling;v and a second pin extending through said other opening, the ends whereof are disposed to engage said couplingl at any of a plurality of points therealong in accordance with the angle of displacement betweensaid coupling and said shaft section and form a rotative driving connection between said section and said coupling.

4. Universal joint mechanism comprising a section of shafting having two openings passing therethrough transversely of the axis of said section and intersecting at substantially said ,axis; a longitudinally4 extending coupling member angularly displaceable relative to saidv shaft section; a pin passing' through one of said openings and having its ends secured within said coupling to fix said section longitudinally of said couplingia second pin passing through the other of said openings and having its ends disposed to' engage said coupling at any of a plurality of points therealong in accordance with the angle of displacement between said coupling and said shaft section to .form a rotativev driving connection between said section and said coupling; one of said pins having a transverse opening through which the other of said` pins passes.

5. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in

( combination, a 'first shaft section; a second shaft section; a longitudinally extending housing angularly displaceable relative to said shafts and adapted to Ireceive the` inner ends of each of said shafts; means including bearing/surfaces carried on each of said shafts and cooperating bearing surfaces formed within said housing for securing said shaft sections within said housing; means interconnecting the inner ends of said shaft sections so that angular movement of one of Asaid shaft sections relative-to said housing is accompanied by angular movements of the other of said shaft sections; and additional means cooperating between each shaft section and said housing for transmitting rotative force between said housing and the associated shaft section.

6. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in

combination, a first shaft section; a second shaft.

section; a longitudinally extending housing angularly displaceable relative to said shafts and adapted to receive the inner ends of each of said shafts; means including a pair of transversely opposite spheroldal bearing surfaces carried on each of said shafts and cooperating bearing surfaces formed within said housing for securingV said shaft sections within said housing; means interconnecting the inner ends of said shaft sections so that angular movement of one of said shaft sections relative to said housing is accompanied by angular movementA of the other of said shaft sections; and additional means cooperating between each shaft section and said housing for transmitting rotative force between said housing and the associated shaft section, said additional means extending substantially normal to a median line connecting said bearing surfaces.

- by angular movement of the other of said shaft sections; and a pair of axially parallel trunnions projecting from'opposite sides of each of said shaft sections, said spheroidal bearing surfaces lying on opposite sides of the axes of said pairs of trunnions; and mean dening raceways with-- in said housing for receiving said trunnions to transmit rotative force between said housing and said shaft sections.

8. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in combination, a first shaft section; a secondshaft section; a longitudinally extending housing angularly displaceable relativeto said shafts, said housing having a first pair vof longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent one end thereof and a second pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent the other end thereof; adriver for each shaft section extending transversely thereof with its ends slidably received in the raceway portions of the associated pair and cooperable therewith to transmit axial rotative force between said housing and said shaft sections; means interconnecting the inner ends of said shaft sections so that anguiar movement of one of said shaft sections relative to said housing is accompanied by angular movement of the other of said shaft sections; and additional means individualto each shaft section vand cooperating between .the associated shaft section and said housing for securing the associated shaft section within said housing.

9. Universal joint -mechanism comprising, in l combination, a rst shaft section; a second shaft section; a longitudinally extending housing anguiarly displaceable relative to said shafts,- said modera housing having a first pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent one end thereof, and a second pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent the other end thereof; a driver for each shaft section extendi118 transversely thereof with its ends slidably received in the raceway portions of the associated pair and cooperable therewith to transmit axial rotative force between said housing and said shaft sections; means interconnecting the ,inner ends of said shaft sections so that angular movement of one of said shaft sections relative to said housing is accompanied by angular movement of the other of said shaft sections; and additional means comprising` opposed spheroidal surfaces formed adjacentgthe end lof each of said shaft sections and cooperating surfaces provided in said housing for cooperating between the asso.

ciated shaft section and said housing to secure the shaft sections within said housing.

10. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in combination, a rst shaft section; a second shaft section; a longitudinally extendinghousing angularly displaceable relative to said shafts, said housing having a first pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent one end thereof, and a second pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent the other end thereof; a driver for each shaft section ex^ tending transversely thereof with its ends slidably received in the raceway portions of the associated pair and cooperable therewith to trans-l mitaxial rotative force between said housing and said shaft sections; means interconnecting 'the inner ends'of said shaft sections so that angular movement of one of said shaft sections relative to said housing/is'accompanied by angular movement of the other of said shaft sections; a pair of diametrlcally opposed spheroidal surfaces formed adjacent the end of each of` said shaft sections, and a roller bearing element in said housing for each of said surfaces for cooperating therewith to secure said shaft sections member individual to each of said shaft sections and cooperating between the associated shaft section and said housing for securing the associated shaft section against axial movement into said housing; means interconnecting the inner ends of said shaft. sections so that angular movement of one of said shaft sections relative to said housing is accompanied by angulanmovement of the other` of said shaft sections; and additional means cooperating between each shaft section and said housing for transmitting rotative force between said housing andthe associated shaft section.

12. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in

combination, a first shaft section; a second shaft. section; a longitudinally extending housing angularly displaceable relative to said shafts, said housing. having a first pair of longitudinal interlor r^ ceway portions formed adjacent one end thereof, and'a second pair oflonzitudinal in-4 terior raceway portions formed adjacent the other end thereof; a driver for each shaft section extending transversely thereof with its ends slidably receivediin the raceway portions of the associated pair and cooperable. therewith to transmit axial ment of the other of said shaft sections; additional means comprising diametrlcally opposed spheroidal surfaces formed adjacent the end of each of said shaft sections and cooperating surfaces provided in said housing for cooperating between the associated shaft' section and said housing to secure the associated shaft section against axial movement out of said housing; and means including a supplemental housing member individual to each shaft 'section and cooperating between the associated shaft section and said housing forA securing the associated shaft section against axial movement into said housing.

13. Universal joint mechanism comprising, in

v combination, alongitudinally extending housing;

,first and second shaft sections angularly displaceablev relative to said housing and having their inner lends interconnected and received within said housing; said housing having a first pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent one end thereof and a second pair of longitudinal interior raceway portions formed adjacent the other end thereof; a driver for each shaft section extending transversely thereof 'with its ends siidabiy received in the.

raceway portions of the associated pair and cooperable therewith vto transmit axial rotative force betweennsaid housing and said shaft sections; and means connecting said shaft sections to said housing so as to retain said shaft sections within said housing.

HANS WOLLNER 

